Praise
for Stargazer...
"Fun to read... Will reward readers interested
in people who have helped advance our understanding of the Universe."
"An exhaustive work, 400 years of facts and
anecdote that enlighten the story of this important scientific instrument."
"A well-written, up-to-date history of the
invention of the telescope and its impact on astronomy... a fascinating
story. A welcome addition to the literature... can be recommended to any
reader with an interest in the history of science and instrumental technology."
"Watson's book is a giant that casts a shadow
all its own... a compelling story, filled with colorful characters and
intriguing plot twists."
"I wasn't sure the world needed another history
of the telescope until I read Fred Watson's Stargazer. With good-natured
prose, [he] leads the reader smoothly from Hans Lipperhey's primitive 1608
invention to today's incredibly sophisticated telescopes, enlivening the
history with tidbits of unlikley lore."
"To the great pleasure of those who pick
up his new book, this very practical scientist still understands what it
means to be starry-eyed."
"The
story of telescope makers and their instruments, told with gleeful professionalism
by the astronomer in charge of the Anglo-Australian Observatory... A fine
piece of science writing, from an author as intelligibly capable as Brian
Greene or Richard Dawkins."
(A star
is assigned to books of unusual merit, determined by the editors of Kirkus
Reviews.)
"Watson, the astronomer in charge of Australia's
largest optical telescope and a science writer, provides a fine overview
of the 400-year history of this invention... Gathering all of this material
in one place and presenting it in such an engaging style is a considerable
accomplishment."
"[Watson is] a gifted science communicator...
Treating readers to an insider's view of the competitive and passionate
culture of the astronomers who devote their lives to gathering data about
the universe, Watson describes in readable engaging prose the technical
obstacles to improving our knowledge of the universe... As accessible as
Isaac Asimov's
Eyes on the Universe and broader in scope than W.
Patrick McCray's more recent Giant Telescopes, this book will appeal
to many... Recommended."
"Watson's narrative of inevitable overreaching
and brilliant success is often funny, occasionally poignant, and definitely
accessible - a fine reflection of this Australian astronomer's popularizing
skills."
"A first rate book and a 'must buy' for anyone
interested in the development of the telescope."
"Read it, and you'll understand what science
is all about."
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Page maintained by: Fred
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Latest revision: 22 July 2006